“It is wonderful to see a person contributing to society as an individual human being, regardless of social position or importance.” Raisa Gorbachev, fundraiser and philosopher, (1932-1999)
I was so inspired by the new friendships and the beautiful EngieStyle looks that sprouted in “Once Upon a Time.” It is amazing to work around women who value each other’s skills and talents more than each other’s clothes. However, there’s no better way to celebrate life and success than getting decked out for a fashion fundraiser!
From our first meeting, I intuitively knew that Marcy, Engie, Wendy, and everyone involved in planning this event shared the ability to forge an incredible result…because we each find mediocrity intolerable, our talents must not be wasted.I was very excited to see a fashion show with an improvisation representing Engie’s early career. I imagine it seemed totally ridiculous that I was actually crying alongside the catwalk, but when I identified with meaning of the story that the models recounted, it was heartfelt. I believe that when you make sense of and find value in your experiences (good and bad), you move forward in life. I know we’ve all had moments that justified throwing in the towel, and I reflected on how much easier it is to attain happiness when you don’t let go of your goals.
I was also reminded that after all is said and done, my happiest moments are when I am able to bring people together for philanthropy. The significance of “Once Upon a Time” to me was that we all came together for a cause to make the city a more beautiful place. I loved seeing Wendy Levene Goldberg encourage several young models to contribute their time to charity; she inspired them to see how amazing it feels to give. I loved hearing my other philanthropist friend Emily Conner’s reaction to Engie’s first look: “I’m wearing THAT to my Christmas party!” And I think we all loved the audience’s applause.
Once upon a time, we each decided that New York City was the place to dream and to make life different. Thanks to Women’s Mafia, on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010, it all came together! Continue reading →

Our good friends at Shoegasm, our shoe sponsor for our NY Fashion Week Events, is partnering with Soles4Souls and they’re hosting an awesome Haitian cultural celebration THIS SATURDAY February 20th from 12pm-5pm at Shoegasm’s Soho location! The event will have live Haitian music from musician Tiga Jean-Baptiste, mouth-watering traditional Haitian food and drink from Chen Bakery and even a exhibit by artist Igor Mecklembourg! You can even donate some of your unwanted shoes! Why not enjoy free food and music all while supporting a great cause?

We had the privilege earlier this week to attend a Fundraiser for the RedLight Children Campaign, an exceptionally well put-together event hosted by Living Measure and Marie Claire magazine.

The fundraiser at Le Poisson Rouge was a moving evening with live entertainment and a great crowd, and also with a definitive purpose. Some of the super talented artists performing that night include violinist Itai Shapiro, singer and actress Alicia Witt, singer and songwriter Wes Hutchinson, and a great ensemble band headlined by the lovely signer Yuli. Miss Africa USA, Nyasha, was also in attendance and spoke briefly and passionately about the cause. She spoke on the necessity of supporting Guy Jacobson and RedLight Children Campaign, and how he risks his life working to shut down brothels and the child sexploitation industry.

New York socialites, artists, and professionals filled the popular music venue. The open bar and desserts by Tawny Ong were unforgettably good and hard to resist, and helped settle the room. We scored a drink and some red velvet cake and banana cream pudding once we found a place to sit and mingle with other guests in attendance. It was a decidedly well-dresses crowd. Some women were modeling dresses by Kibonen Nfi of KiRette Couture for a silent auction. Some of the bidding began at $200 for her exquisitely handmade and embroidered dresses.

Living Measure’s stated mission is simplified as “Party…Charitably.” Something we are very much in line with in the Women’s Mafia. We hope to work with them on more events soon!

Earlier this month I had the privilege to meet and speak with Mayor Bloomberg at the Champions of Choice Luncheon. I am the co-chair of the Young Professionals Council for Choice, a fundraising and party-planning young professionals group that raises money for the National Institute for Reproductive Health, and so I wanted to introduce myself and tell him how our group appreciates his support on these issues.

I waited politely as he talked to a reporter from Vanity Fair and then introduced myself and a fellow council-member Jodi Leib and thanked him for his continued work and support for Women’s rights. He has a great handshake and introduces himself in a friendly, informal manner as “Mike Bloomberg” (I was thinking, yes, I know, that’s why I’ve been hovering around to meet you!). I also told him how he was the only Republican/Independent that I had ever voted for. (I’m a staunch liberal, S-T-A-U-N-C-H as Little Edie from Grey Gardens would say.) His response was interesting. He told me that all politicians are mostly the same and that I shouldn’t pay attention to the labels and should look at their specific positions instead. I have thought about it, and I mostly agree, though I’m still staunch.

And then he was whisked away…
Email me if you are interested in hearing more about the YPCC or the National Institute for Reproductive Health. You can sign up at www.ypccny.org or contact me to be on the host committee.